Robert Crissman, Jr.
by Jonathan Weaver
The trial of the Templeton man who escaped from the Armstrong County Jail in late-July and allegedly killed a family friend shortly after will be held this Summer in Kittanning.
According to County President Judge Kenneth Valasek, prosecutors and defense attorneys met yesterday morning in his chambers to schedule upcoming court dates related to the case against Robert Crissman, Jr.
District Attorney Scott Andreassi and Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Charlton will lead the prosecution.
“Right now, the Court has set the trial for May. Jury selection will be Monday, May 9 and we will start the trial as soon as a jury is selected,” Andreassi said.
Andreassi explained that several questions will be asked of possible jury members that day.
“What we’re trying to determine is if they’re going to be fair and impartial,” Andreassi said.
Since Crissman’s escape about 6:30AM July 30, he said prosecutors have received laboratory results and provided those also to Public Defenders Chuck Pascal and Preston Younkins – who will represent Crissman.
Pascal said defense attorneys will be prepared for the future court proceedings.
Andreassi, a member of the County Prison Board, added that he thought new security upgrades to the Rayburn Township jail, as well as updated policies and procedures, have proven “effective” since their implementation. He hoped the new warden – who might be selected by Prison Board members at least by the February 11 public meeting – would continue those steps forward.
Charlton and other county detectives recommended nearly a dozen immediate steps and other long-term suggestions at the Armstrong County Jail following Crissman’s July 30 escape and subsequent killing.
All pretrial motions have to be submitted no later than 55 days prior to jury selection, or March 22
Crissman - charged with criminal homicide for Long’s death, the theft of Long’s maroon Chevrolet Silverado, aggravated assault for injuring State Police Trooper James Karlo’s hand during attempted capture Friday morning, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and escape –is currently being housed in the Butler County Jail without bond.